MAKING LAWS AND INSTITUTIONS WORK FOR PEOPLE: IDLO’S WORK IN ENHANCING ANTI-CORRUPTION AND TRANSPARENCY Corruption, with its inherently corrosive effect on societies, poses a significant challenge to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its commitment to “leave no one behind”. Its profound negative impact on the rule of law, good governance, and human rights threatens peace and security, hampers the provision of public services, and thwarts inclusive economic development. This not only undermines trust in public institutions but also fuels discontent and insecurity. Corruption’s broad social costs are felt disproportionately by women, youth, and other marginalized and vulnerable groups, making it a threat to peace and sustainable development by increasing inequality and preventing the distribution of resources to intended beneficiaries. The United Nations General Assembly in its resolution adopting the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) expressed its concern about “the seriousness of problems and threats posed by corruption to the stability and security of societies, undermining the institutions and values of democracy, ethical values and justice and jeopardizing sustainable development and the rule of law”.
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Addressing multidimensional challenges posed by corruption requires a holistic approach that, in addition to relying on law enforcement and investigations, also eliminates the opportunities leading to corruption, promotes economic competition, enhances accountability in the political sphere and increases the participation of civil society in decision-making processes. The rule of law is critical to that effort. It can help eliminate discrimination in law and in practice and enable institutions to better understand and meet people’s needs. It can strengthen their ability to tackle corruption and to resolve grievances before they can fester into conflict. As the only global intergovernmental organization exclusively devoted to promoting the rule of law to advance peace and sustainable development, the International Development Law Organization (IDLO) works with partners around the world to combat all forms of corruption by making justice institutions transparent and more responsive, reducing conflicts of interest, and enhancing the capacity of institutions and justice actors to fight fraud and economic crime.
Making Laws and Institutions Work for People: IDLO’s Work in Enhancing Anti-Corruption and Transparency